PBIOS FIFTEEN CENTS. 



Copy 1 UMERICAlsr AMATEUR DEAMA. 




I ' 



No. 1, 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



A COMEDY. 



IN THREE ACTS. 



BY 



MARSDEN BROWN. 



CHICAGO: 
DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY. 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



AMEBIC AN AMATEUB DBAMA. 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



A COMEDY, 



IN THREE ACTS. 



BY 

MARSDEN BROWN. 



^IVlAh 31181 ,. / 



CHICAGO; 
DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY. 



/ k ^: L 



o^ 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
Richard Field. 

Edavard Marshall, brother to Mrs. Field, 
Mark Williams, Edioard's friend 
George Field, nephew to Richard Field. 
Mrs Richard Field. 

Alice Taylor, / ^rr ^ . t, . , ^ 
Annie Taylor \ ^^^"* ^^ Richard Field. 



COSTUMES OF THE PRESENT DAY. 



liriie m representation^ one hour and fifteen minutes. 



Copyright, 1886, by Dramatic Publishing Company. 

TMP92-008709 



A BOLD STEATAGEM. 



ACT I. 

SCENE. — Parlor in the hoitse of Richard Field; hand- 
somely furnished; doors, E., L. a7id c, aiid wiiidow, l. 

[Edward a?id Mark enter, c] 

Edward. Yes, old fellow, I am glad to see you, but I 
am sorry you came at this time. 

Mark. Indeed! Then you would find my departure 
very convenient? 

Edward. Not exactly that, Mark; but you should not 
have come during Mr. Field's absence. 

Mark. I expected to find him here. But why should 
I not come during his absence? 

Edward. Well, you remember how he evaded your re- 
quest when you asked to be introduced to his wife? 

Mark. Remember? Yes, only too well ! I could see 
no reason why I should not know the sister of my best 
friend. 

Edward. There was no reason — merely Field's ridicu- 
lous jealousy. He is suspicious of every man who even 
looks at his wife. If he finds you here, he will consider 
your presence as proof that you came by arrangement 
with Mrs. Field. 

Mark. Oh, that's absurd! 

Edward. Absurd, certainly; but how can you show 
him that it is not true? 

Mark. By declaring to him my real purpose for com- 
ing: I am here to ask for the hand of his ward, Alice Tay- 
lor. 

Edward. Well, perhaps that will do; though he will 
probably imagine it a pretense. But I admire your choice, 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



old fellow; Alice is charming — and her sister Annie, irre- 
sistible. 

Mark. Herself, or her fortune? 

Edward. Both. Of course you know that I would not 
marry for money — 
Mark. Of course not! 

Edward — but since she has a fortune I have tried very 
hard to love her. 

Mark. Ha, ha, ha! Have you been successful? 
Edward. Well, I have learned to love her, but she is 
promised to another. Her father, who was an intimate 
friend of Mr. Field, left to him his large fortune to be 
held in trust for his daughters until they married. If thev 
married without their guardian's consent, they should not 
receive a dollar; and, moreover, they promised their father 
on his death-bed not to marry as^ainst the wishes of Mr 
Field. 

Mark. Does Field object to you? 
^ Edward. Not that; but he has already promised her to 
his nephew, George Field. Several years ago, when 
scarcely more than a child, she was betrothed to him. 
This is his reward for acting as a spy for his uncle. 

Mark. Then we both have Mr. Field's consent to win. 
Let us work together, and, if possible, win together. 

Edward. Agreed! Now, Mr. Field must not find you 
here, and he will return within an hour. You go to that 
little arbor which you saw on the left as you came in. I'll 
join you there presently, and while we wait for his com- 
ing, we'll form our plans. 

[Exit Mark, l.] 

Edward. Now to see my little Annie — 

Annie. \Who has just eyitered.'] Yours! Indeed! How 
long since? 

Edward. Ever since you told me that you love me. 

Annie. When did I tell you that? 

Edward. ^ [JEJxtravagantli/.] Your eyes have told me. 
They are twin stars of hope, and beam on me glad tidings 
of promised happiness. 

Annie. How singular! But why did you tell me to 
keep away? 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. & 

Edward. When did I tell you that? 

Annie. [Imitating him.] Your hair has told me. Your 
bright locks are a danger signal, warning me to keep oflf. 
[She runs off, laughing.] 

Edward. [He laughs with evident effort, xmtil he per- 
ceives that she has gone, then stops suddenly.] Confound 
my hair! I'll shave it off! No, I won't — I'll dye it! Not 
that, either, for then Annie would forever poke fun at the 
great light that would be put out. Some kinds of bright- 
ness are very unfortunate to the owner. [Sees Annie en- 
ter.] Ah, Annie — 

Annie. Oh, Ed., Mr. Field has come — 

Edward. When? Where? 1 didn't hear him. 

Annie. I saw him enter the gate, and ran up the front 
stairs to tell Mrs. Field. But he came up the back way 
and we met on the landing. He told me to say nothing 
and sent me down. He said he wanted to give his wife 
a pleasant surprise. 

Edward. Dear man! that's so like him; write to say 
he shall be at home on such a day, then come the day be- 
fore — just to give his wife a pleasant surprise; glide inta 
the house as if to steal his own spoons — all to give his 
wife a pleasant surprise. He'll be shot for a burglar 
some day, and that will give his wife a pleasant surprise. 
Annie, you misunderstood my signal lignt; it is not a dan- 
ger signal, but a guide to a safe harbor. Come to — 

[Enter George.] 

Annie. Thank you, but there are plenty of other har- 
bors — 

George. That's so — here, for instance. 

Annie — but for the present give me the wide ocean of 
liberty. Come, Ed., and show me the new flower-bed you 
promised. [She takes Edward's «rm.] 

George. Yes, show it to me, too; I like flowers. [He 
puts Annie's disengaged hand within his arm. As they 
reach c. d., lohich is just wide enough J^or two, George is 
forced to relinquish Annie's hand. Edward looks back 
at George in smiling triumph. George shakes his fist 
at Edward's hack and then follows.] 



^ A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



[E7iter Me. and Mks. Field, r.] 
Mes. F. But at what, my dear? I am delighted to see 

■ n,.^^^m At^'r- thVS:^ ^'* '-^•'^"^-^''^ ^h« 

Mes. F. What is comical? Certainly nothing vou have 

told me. you say that old Jones is dead, anf Cntrarv 

o expectation has left his entire fortune to a JentleS 

tll'sto^;? ' ^ "^'*'' *° '^™-°°" ^"'^^ ^ -o^^-^t 

Mk. F. Ha, ha, ha! It's not the story—but you asked 

me in such a careless manner-" Do you know^he fen 

ence, as if-ha, ha, ha!-as if it was of no earthly conse- 
quence to you— ha, ha ha! ■' 

itSm;?^^'""'''"'' °^ ''''''' earthly consequence can 

Mk. F. None in the least, of course; that's the ioke 
ha, ha ha! [Aside.] Shall I tell her?-I will-I'liter 

L-4to«?.] Why, the fact is, you know the gentleman-a 
very agreeable young man-Mr. Mark Williams. 
Mes. F. Oh, indeed. 

ccn/"-^; Ij^f''^''-^ '^'^^ aSeci^d calmness of that, now' 
no, no I see, she knew it before— there has been some 

"IZri^; l^"^ «- y- ^-^ -y ^^^ 

Jlll^n y'r ate. "^'^ '* ^ P°'"* "^ "^^^ -'"^ 
Me. F. Now there's an evasion— she can't give me a 

no doub'^M'/'^'n'' f "J^'l^y ^™™ '^'■"' •>- b-" "-«' 
Ha^i^/nf^^-'"^^ ^u"'' ^>>y' M^^- Field, do you make 

o brsentto""" """J*'"? '° ''"y • ^^''■y «^« «"^ f"«"ds 
at home /'^ .?' '^'''"■' ''^'"'"^^ I 'J^"'' happen to be 
at home, as it they were so many thieves or swindler<= ' 
^\hat are you afraid of-or rathe'r what do you thiBk i 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. I 

am afraid of ? For there it is, there it is, another proof 
of your ridiculous fancies, always conjuring up some vis- 
ionary evil. I — ha, ha, ha! — I can't help laughing, though 
it annoys me, at the extreme folly of the thing. I, who 
during the three years of our married life, never laid the 
slightest constraint upon your pleasures, your inclinations 
— I, whose extreme anxiety to escape so odious a charge — 

Mks. F. — Betrays the troubled source from whence it 
springs. Allow me to repeat, for perhaps the hundredth 
time since our marriage, that being as anxious to avoid 
affording you a pretense for jealousy, as you are to escape 
the suspicion of entertaining it, the unlimited freedom, to 
which you allude, has ever been and ever will be, until 
your nature changes, the most severe restriction that can 
be imposed upon my actions. 

Mr. F. Very well, madam, as you please. But my 
reputation shall not suifer for your folly. I will throw 
my doors open — they shall never be shut, night or day. 
I will write to Mark Williams, madam, Mark Williams, 
the gentleman whom you evidently think I fear; I'll in- 
vite him to my table, go abroad as soon as he comes, and 
leave you to do the honors. I'll — 

[Enter Edward.] 

Edward. Mr. Mark Williams. 

Mr. F. [^4siV^e.] I knew it — I knew he was here! My 
wife — her confusion is evident. [Aloud to Edward.] Show 
Mr. Williams in immediately; I'm delighted to see him. 

[Enter Mark Williams.] 

My dear Williams, this is an unexpected pleasure, ha, ha, 
ha! and — the most curious coincidence possible; would 
you believe it — I was, at the moment of your arrival, tell- 
ing Mrs. Field that I intended writing to you, and re- 
questing the pleasure of your company a few days — ha, 
ha, ha! 

Mark. [^s/<76.] Here's a reception! 

Edw^ard. [Aside.'] So civil! Then there's no hope. 

[Exit.'] 

Mrs. F. [Aside.] Laughing again — then he's misera- 
ble. 



8 A BOLD STKATAGEM. 



Mr F. [Aside.] They dar'n't trust themselves to look 
at each other— a glance of the eye would speak volumes, 
and flash conviction on me at once. I'll make 'em look 
^■^'V^Tr.i^^^ agitated— I— [Aloud.] Mrs. Field, Mr. 
Mark Williams, my dear. [Mbs. F. and Mark boio 
politely, Jree from embarassment.] Admirably acted ^ 
^ot the slightest emotion perceivable! The most brazen- 
laced thing I ever saw! 

Mrs. F. I have to congratulate Mr. Williams, I be- 
lieve, upon the accession to some considerable property 

Mark. Indeed, madam, I do not consider it a subiect 
for congratulation. The rightful heir has been most un- 
justly deprived of it, and as soon as the forms of the law 
will permit, I shall restore it to him. 

.i.^'S* u* [^f\^:^ Noble young man! How provoking 
that Richard's folly should deprive Alice of such a hus- 
band! rv* 7 1 

Mr. F. [Starting.] My wife sighed! ^^ ^'^ 

' . ^^^^; I am anxious to explain the object of this early 

A^' ^. ^^ "^ ^ ^^^ minutes' private conversation? 

Mr. h . Certainly, my dear sir, command me. [Aside.! 
He is anxious to explain-he feels I must suspect. [Aloud.\ 
Will you walk mto my study— my den, as I call it? You 
must be hungry after your long ride. My dear, will you 
kindly order refreshments in the dining room? 

. ^^^?^; ^,0"^ for ine, I beg of you, Mrs. Field. [Lay- 
mg his hand on her arm:] 

Mr.F. [Aside.] He touched her hand! [Aloud.! You'll 
remain to dinner then? 

Mark. Really, I— 

Mr. F. I'll hear no excuses, and Mrs. Field will feel 
slighted.. This way, Mr. Williams. 

[jExeimt Mark a}id Mr. Field.] 

Mrs. F What shall I do? Richard's -jealousy ^rows 
worse and worse. I have not a friend, not an acquaint- 
ance, that he does not regard with suspicion and distrust. 

[E7iter Alice.] 
Alice. Oh, Mrs. Field, Edward tells me that Mark is 
Here and that he has sought an interview with my 
guardian. ^ 



A BOLD STEATA9EM. 9 

Mks. F. Yes, and I have no doubt the interview con- 
cerns you. 

Alice. Of course the answer will be yes! Oh, I am 
so happy! 

Mrs. F, Do not be too sure. You know how insanely- 
jealous Richard is; he imagines that Mr. Williams asks 
for your hand only that, as your lover, he may be able to 
see me often without arousing suspicion. 

Alice. Ridiculous! 

Mrs. F. So it is, but not therefore less disagreeable. 
However, you will soon know the result. [Goes w/).] 

Alice. How absurd! With all his foolish fancies ho 
cannot be such an imbecile as to imagine — or suppose it 
is true? Mrs. Field is still young and handsome, and 
Mark has always admired her. Can he be so base, so 
false — oh dear! I have such queer sensations — I — 

l^Jnter Field.] 

Mr. F. [^.s*(^(?.] I got rid of him nicely. His plaa 
was too evident; he saw that I penetrated it, and retired 
in confusion. 

Mrs. F. [In loio tone to Alice.] Mark is crossing the 
lav/n with Edward. You can meet him by going to the 
side door. [Exit.'\ 

Alice. [Aside^ Meet him! I won't. The mean, de- 
ceitful thing, I won't speak to him again — unless — unless 
it's not true — oh, there he is! [She runs off, l.] 

Mr. F. They communicate with each other and then 
go, without a word to me! No desire, no curiosity ta 
know what Williams had to say! That confirms my sus- 
picions. They have gone to meet him. I, too, will bo 
there. Ha, ha, ha! They little think that I know their 
secret. But let them beware, for I shall not sleep until 
I have absolute proof of my wife's guilt or innocence. 

[Exit.] 



Curtain. 



-^^ A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



ACT 11. 

SCmE.--Zaim before Richard Field's /lome. Veran- 
da at back, from which a door, c, opens into the house, 
t hairs on veranda. Trees, r. and l. 

[Mark and Edward discoveredA 
Mark. All is lost, Ed. The old fellow rejected me, 
positively rejected me; said that he could not think of 
letting Alice marry any man who speculates. I offered 
to give up speculating. Thereupon he said that he would 
give his consent if I abstained from speculating one year 
I accepted this condition gladly, but begged him in the 
meanwhile to allow me to visit his ward. At this he looked 
suspicious and hinted that I had some other object beside 
that ot seeing Alice. 

Edward. What did you say to that? 
Mark. Say? I told him that he was cruel to his ward 
and unjust to his wife; then I could control myself no 
longer, and left m a rage. But I must see Alici before 
i- go. oan t you contrive an interview^ 

nenhZt"' Yv- """ '^''~^^'' ^ •^''^'^ ^*- His precious 
nephew is watching us now, so you must pretend to start 
for the city. Near the end of the hedge you will find an 
opening; enter there, and remain in the summer-house 
until I rejoin you. Leave the rest to me. 

Mark. I'll rely on you. Did you give Alice my note? 

Edwaed._ Not yet; here it is. I have a plan. I'll con- 
trive to let It fall into the governor's hands. He will read 

Alte ' P» vf ' ^?u T '" ''^™"'* ^" y°"^ attentions to 
Alice. Perhaps thereby we can overcome his obiections. 
Uut are you sure that it is explicitly addressed to her? 
..^T\ Perfectly. It is directed to her; and in it I 
<5all her « my own Alice." Could anything be plainer? 

and she 11 help us out. [JExmmt, u] 

[Enter Richard Field, c] 
Me. F. The more I think on this business, the more I 
am puzzled. Can I be wrong? Can Mark Williams go 



A BOLD STEATAGEM. II 

SO far as to ask for Alice's hand merely to be near my 
wife? It seems improbable; and yet I can't forget that 
whenever he lias seen them together his admiring glances 
have always been directed towards my wife. Were I to 
consent, he could call at my house whenever he might 
wish. No, 'tis better as it is; he has his answer, and is 
gone. 

[Enter George, r.] 

George. Oh, frightful, uncle! I've been watching to 
catch you alone. 

Mr. F. Eh? Why — what — what news? Some trifle 
or other about Annie, I suppose. I wonder that you are 
not ashamed to let people see your silly jealousy. 

George. Not I! I say to all the world I'm jealous, 
and I say to you that I am jealous of that brother-in-law 
of yours — 

Mr. F. Edward? What of him? [Aside.] T want an 
excuse to get rid of him. 

George. I caught him kissing x\nnie this morning. 

Mr. F. The rascal! And knowing that she is betrothed 
to you ! I cannot allow in my house a man of such loose 
moral principles. I shall send him away — 

George. Oh, my dear uncle, you are so kind! See, 
there he is now — he gives her a letter. 

Mr. F. A letter! 

George. Yes, and it's the same that I saw Mark Wil- 
liams have. 

Mr. F [Aside.'] Should it be to my wife! [Aloud.l 
Stand aside, stand aside. 

George. I'll have it; I icill have it. 

[Hushiiig forward.] 

Mr. F. No, no; hush! [Holding him back^ 

[Enter Annie with a note., l.] 

Annie. [^-l^tV^e.] Ah, there they are! And now to let 
my guardian see it and take it, as Edward bade me. 

[Field and George aiyproach.] 

George. [Snatching it.] Traitress! [Tears it ope7i.] 
Annie. Don't do that; it is not for you. Give it to 
me. [jS?iatches at and tears it.] 



12 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 



Mr. F. Stay, stay; what are you about? 

[All three struggle for it, and it is torn to pieces.] 
George. I know it is not for me, but you shall never 
read a line of it. 

[Tears Ms x>art of the note and stamps on it.] 
Annie. That's right— storm, do. It is not written to 
me, but to Alice. 

Mr. F. [Looking at piece in his handA It is so di- 
rected, certainly. 

Annie. And I shall tell her at once what you have 
done with it. [ExitA 

George. I'll find out now. [Picks up the jnecesA 

Mr. F. What are you about there? 

George. Picking up the bits to join them, and— 

Mr. F. Don't be a fool. Let them alone. Why don't 
you let them alone when I tell you? There's another 
Y^^?^ ^ir^^^T^ suppose you'll pick that up, too— ha, ha, 
ha! Was there ever such a booby? Here, mve them to 
me. ° 

George. Sir! . 

Mr. F. Give them to me this minute. [Snatchinq the 
pieces.] And now leave them— you'll only see something 
to make you miserable — 

George. But then — 

Mr, F, Go away, I tell you— you stupid, suspicious, 
teasmg, troublesome idiot. [Exit George. Field looks 
around to see that he is alo7ie.] Now, then, for it! 

[Braicsforicard chair and arranges pieces on it.] 

[Enter Edward, l.] 

Edward. [Aside.] That foolish nephew of his has 
nearly spoiled everything. I hope that he will be able 
to make it out. 

^ Mr. F. Ah, that's it. [Beadi7ig.] " My own Alice 
since you permit me to call you so." There, there! It's 
my wife he writes to, and she has desired him to call her 
by that name, for fear the notes should be intercepted. 
h^mY^i, [Aside.] Now, who could have thought it? 
Mr. JH [Beading.] « I am near you, but must remain 
concealed for the present. I burn to fold you to my 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 13 

heart, but the jealousy of Mr. Field must not be awakened." 
There, then, is not that proof ? 

Edward. It's quite hopeless; the man's incurable. 

[£Jxit<, L.] 

Mr. F. My surmises were correct — he loves my wife. 
Ah, there she is! Now, if I can only catch her with the 
rascal. [JSxit, c] 

Enter Mrs. F. and Alice, r.] 

Mrs. F. My dear child, do not despair yet. Your lover 
has brains and pluck. Depend upon it, he will not be 
thwarted in his desires. He is coming — leave us together 
a few minutes — 

Alice. But why alone? I should like to speak to 
Mark myself. And — and — perhaps it is you he loves — 

Mrs. F. You silly girl! Come, do as I ask, and all 
will be well. 

Alice. \^Aside,'\ It doesn't look right. She is hand- 
some, and perhaps he does — but I'll stay and watch. 

[^Retires to r.] 
[Enter Mark, l.] 

Mrs. F. Ah, Mr. Williams, I am glad you have not 
left without a word with me — 

[Field opens c. door cautiously.'] 

• Mark. I could not. You must know that my affection 
is not of sudden growth. My love began, not with ac- 
quaintance, but with first sight. Hitherto I have adored 
and remained silent, but I can do so no longer. You 
will not permit your husband's jealousy to deprive me of 
my beloved — 

Alice. [Coming foricard.'] Oh, I can bear this no 
longer. So your love for me was a pretense — a — 

[Enter Richard Field, c] 

Mrs. F. Alice, you misunderstand — 

Mr. F. But I do not, madam. I have heard all. Sir, 
leave my grounds. If you enter here again, I will break 
every bone in your miserable carcass. I — I — oh, I shall 
go mad! [Exit, running.'] 



14 A BOLD STRATAGEM. 

[^Enter Edward.] 

Mes. F. All is lost now, indeed. 

Mark. How could they so misunderstand? Alice is 
as unreasonable as her guardian. 

Edward. Oh, don't despair yet! I have another 
plan. By a bold stratagem we may be victors yet. 

Mrs. F. What is your plan? 

Edward. Why, this: Since they are so absurdly 
jealous, turn the tables on them; you be jealous of your 
husband, and Mark of Alice. 

Mrs. F. Just the thing! If Mr. Williams will assist 
me — 

Mark. With all my heart. 

Mrs. F. Then come; we'll arrange our plan, and put 
it into instant execution. [Exeiuit.^ 

[Enter Alice and Annie.] 

Alice. Oh, Annie, I cannot think that Mark is false. 
He looks so noble and so true — it must be a mistake. 

Annie. Oh, of course, your dear Mark is an angel I 
You had such good proof of his angelic qualities a few 
minutes ago! Edward doesn't amount to much, but I 
wouldn't exchange him for fifty Mark Williams. Such 
as he is, he is all mine. 

Alice. Indeed! I can assure you that no one cares to 
exchange with you. 

Annie. Here comes your noble lord — I'll leave you to 
him and felicity. \Exit.^ 

[Enter Mark.] 

Alice. [Aside.] 'Tis he! 

Mark. [Aside.] Yes, 'tis she — now for a touch of the 
pathetics. [Aloud.] Alice! 

Alice. What, sir! you here still, after my guardian's 
prohibition? 

Mark. Yes, Alice. I have sought this interview — the 
dreadful truth has flashed upon my brain, and I could 
not leave you forever until I had pointed out to you the 
precipice on the brink of which you so unconsciously 
stand. , 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 15 

Alice. [Alarmed.] What mean you? 

Mark. Yes, Alice; I now see through the mystery of 
my refusal by your guardian. It is 'but too plain — his 
pretended jealousy of his excellent wife is a mere mask, 
under which he conceals the deformity of his own vices. 
I will not return your unjust suspicions of me by harbor- 
ing for a mt5ment the frightful thought that you encour- 
age his disgraceful attentions — but — 

Alice. His attentions! His! Why Mark — Mr. Wil- 
liams, I should say — what can you allude to? 

Mark. Ah, Miss Taylor! beware, beware, while it is 
time! All ties are broken between us; your guardian's 
cruelty and your injustice have sundered hearts that 
death only should have divided. Common humanity 
alone has prompted me to this step. Alas ! that eyes so 
brio-ht as those — stars that seemed kindled but to lioht 
to happiness, should be fated to mislead and destroy. 
[Aside.] Pathos and perspiration! Tragedy 's warm 
work in the dog-days. 

Alice. Mr. Williams, I am at a loss to understand. 

Mark. I say those eyes have led your guardian as- 
tray. 

Alice. My guardian! 

Mark. He loves you, unfortunate girl. 

Alice. Loves me! Mr. Williams, this is an insult. 

Mark. Infatuated girl! I have spoken, and I am gone. 
I have fulfilled the last trying duty imposed upon me by 
expiring affection. I have set you on your guard — I care 
not for your indignation — I shall not stay to hear your 
reproaches; break, ere it is too late, the bonds which are 
invisibly entwining you! Argue with the miserable old 
man whom your charms have demented, and restore him 
to his unfortunate wife! Adieu, adieu forever! 

^Hushes out.] 

Alice. Stay, sir, stay! Gone, really gone! I am 
thunderstruck! What could have caused such an absurd 
belief. Suspected of being the object of a married man's 
attention, my guardian! I'm horrified! I can't stay 
another hour under his roof. I must speak to him in- 
stantly. [£Jxii.] 



16 A BOLD STRATAGEM. 

[Enter Edward,] 

Edward. Cleverly done, bj jingo! And now to catch 
this precious nephew. 

[EiUer George.] 

Edward. [Aside.'] No, no, no! I canrfot bear the 
thought, though he is my rival, and though my hopes are 
all dashed to earth; still, I cannot bear to see him so cru- 
elly imposed upon. Poor George! 

George. [Aside.] Eh, what's that? 

Edward. [Aside.] Wretched man! Alas! he little 
dreams that his uncle merely consents to his marrying 
Annie in order that he may more easily carry on his base 
designs against the peace and honor of his ward! 

George. [Aside.] Oh heavens! 

Edward. [^.szV^e.] But how can I give him a hint of 
the misfortune that hangs over him? His suspicious na- 
ture will make him reject any communication of mine as 
a scandalous tale> Oh, could he but know how truly I 
pity him! 

George. [Aside.] Oh! 

Edward. [Aside.] But no, he would not believe me, 
and therefore the fatal secret must remain buried in this 
bosom forever. [Going.] 

George. Stay, Edward, stay! I do believe — 

Edward. Hah, you there, George! I trust that you 
have not overheard anything. 'In my distress, I fear I 
spoke aloud, and — 

George. I heard enough! JBut I'll be revenged — 

Edward. Nay, do not be desperate. Remember he is 
your uncle — 

George, No, no. I'll disown him — I'll not eat an- 
other crust of his bread. 

Edward. What a noble spirit! Ah, George, how 
much I have mistaken you. Nothing elicits the fine 
points of a man's character like adversity. But, oh wo- 
man! woman! that a girl blessed with the love of such a 
man should yield to the temptations of an aged libertine. 

George, The jilt!— I'll go to them at once. 

Edward. Stay, you have no proof but my bare asser- 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 17 

tion. But, alas! it is in my power to convince the most 
skeptical of men. With shame I speak it — I was the 
innocent bearer of his written entreaties. 

Geokge. You? 

Edward. I. Little imagining its contents, I consented 
to be the bearer of a letter from him to Annie. 

George. A letter? 

Edward. Yes; containing a declaration, appointing a 
meeting — 

George. Damnation! 

Edward. It nearly fell into your hands. 

George. It did? 

Edward. Yes; at a distance I beheld you snatch it 
from her, but — 

George. I recollect — here — on this very spot. 

Edward. It is but too true. Your uncle obtained part 
of it and you destroyed the rest. 

George. I did; he wouldn't let me see the pieces; 
took them from me, and called me a jealous blockhead! 
I'll expose him — I'll — 

Edward. The meeting was to be in his study. If you 
were to steal down there and find them together. 

George. I'll do it — 

Edward. And if I can hit upon a pretext to be there 
myself, I'll assist you to expose him. 

George. Thanks, thanks, my dear friend; thanks! I 
will be there on time — let him look out. [£Jxit.] 

Curtain. 



ACT III. 
SCENE. — The Lihrary. Field discovered^ seated. 

Mr. F. I've found her out, and I'm miserable. For 
three years I have suspected, and now I have discovered 
what I long dreaded to knew — my wife is not true to me. 
Oh that I had not suspected, that I had not heard! Far 
better the. happiness of ignorance than the misery of 
knowledge. [Knock at doo7'.] Who's there? 



18 A BOLD STRATAGEM. 

[Enter Annie, opening door cautiously.'] 

x\nnie. Mr. Field — 

Me. F. What brings you here? What do you want? 
Go away — I don't want to be interrupted. 

Annie. But if you please, Mr. Field ; you always told 
me to ask questions when I don't understand — 

Mr. F. What do you not understand? 

Annie. Oh, something very strange indeed! 

Mr. F. [^su7e.] Perhaps she can tell me something 
about my wife. [Aloud.'] Well, come in, and siiut the 
door. Now speak — what is it? 

Annie. Indeed, I'm so frightened I hardly can speak. 

Mr. F. [Excitedly.] Pshaw! don't be frightened; be 
calm and collected, as you see I am, now speak. 

Annie. Well, then — [^su7e.] I don't know what to 
say to keep him talking until somebody comes. [Aloud.] 
In the first place, you must promise not to tell any mortal 
soul how you came to know it. 

Mr. F. Yes, yes, yes — of course, of course! 

Annie. Because it would be the ruin of me, if — 

Mr. F. I'll be cautious — I give you my word of honor 
nobody shall know. So go on; what have you seen and 
heard? 

Annie. Dear me! how I do tremble! 

Mr. F. Confound your trembling! So do I — with 
curiosity. Now speak, do. 

Annie. Well, then, Mr. Field, you must know — but if 
you are very, very busy, I'll come some other time. 

Mr. F. No, no, no! I'm not busy; go on — go on. 

[Knock at the door.] 
Annie. [Aside.] Ah, it's all right. [Aloud.] Oh dear, 
there's some one at the door! What shall I do? Where 
shall I go? If anyone sees me here, it will be known 
who told you. 

Mr. F. But you haven't told me. 

Annie. It doesn't signify; it's just the same thing — I 
shall be ruined. Let me run in in here. 

[02)e?iing closet door.] 
Mrs. F. In there — no! 

[K)iocJcing again.] 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 19 

Annie. There, they're knocking again — 111 never open 
my lips if you don't. 

Mr. F. Well, well, in there, in with you ! I'll soon get 
rid of them, whoeyer they are. [Puts Annie i7i closet.] 
Who's there? What do you want? 

Alice. [ Without.] Oh, Mr. Field, I must speak with 
you at once. 

Mr. F. [Aside.] Alice! [Aloud.] Can't you come by 
and by? I'm very busy — I — 

Alice. No, sir, no; my business will admit of no delay 
— I must have an immediate explanation. 

Mr. F. [Ojyefimg door.] What's all this about? Out 
with it at once, then, and be brief, for my business is im- 
portant. 

[JEJ7iter Alice.] 

Alice. Mr. Field, I am greatly distressed; there are 
reports about most injurious to both our reputations, and 
I lose no time in requesting you to deny and suppress 
them. 

Mr. F. Reports! Reports! What sort of reports? 

Alice. Such, sir, as bring tears of shame and indigna- 
tion into my eyes. It is said that your refusal of Mr. 
Williams arises from — oh, I can't utter the vile insinua- 
tion ! 

Mr. F. You alarm me. Miss Taylor. Speak out, I beg 
of you. What do they dare to insinuate? 

Alice. That you have an afiPection for me that is not a 
father's or a friend's — for me, your ward. See what your 
extraordinary conduct has subjected me to! 

Mr. F. By all that's exasperating! They're slanderers, 
base slanderers. Z accused of loving the daughter of 
my dearest friend! No, no, it's absurd. Alice, some one 
has been lying. I defy the tongue of scandal to bring 
one incident against the fair name of Richard Field. 

[Annie coughs m closet.] 

Alice. What's that? 

Mr. F. That! What? 

Alice. Did you hear nothing? 

Mr. F. No; did you? 



20 A BOLD STRATAGEM. 

Alice. 1 could have sworn some one coughed in this 
room. 

Me. F Coughed! oh, to be sure; was that all? Yes^ 
I coughed, [Coughs.'] I have a terrible cold. [Aside.] 
If that girl coughs again she will be discovered, and then 
they will believe anything. 

Alice. Well, your unreasonable objections to the pro- 
posal of Mr. Williams have placed me at least in a very 
annoying situation; and however confident you may feel 
in the stability of your own reputation, I must entreat 
you, for my sake, to listen to reason. I am convinced 
that I was unjustly jealous and suspicious, and confess 
my error. Won^t you write to him and confess yours? 
Give your permission to our marriage, and you will atone 
for your error. 

Me. F. What, apologize to Mark Williams after that 
disgraceful scene! 

[Annie coughs again.] 

Alice. There, again! You didn't talk that time. 

Me. F. [Aside.] Distraction! [Aloud.] No, no; that 
was some one else — in the garden, I suppose — I — Miss 
Taylor, you have my answer — and so has Mr. Williams. 
I am busy; I would be alone; I must entreat you to — 

Alice. But I cannot take that answer! You force me» 
you compel me to say — that — that — oh, what a cruel situ- 
ation ! 

Me. F. [Aside.] It is a cursed situation! They'll drive 
me mad, between them. [Aloud.] Alice, don't be silly, 
don't cry, don't give way so. 

Alice. [Sobbing^ and flinging herself into the arm 
chair.] Oh, oh, oh! I shall be ruined! 

Me. F. [Aside.] So shall II 

Alice. My heart will break! I feel it! I shall faint 
— I'm sure I shall. 

Me. F. [Aside.] Would to heaven she would! I could 
let the other out before she came to again. [Ii^7iock at 
the door.] Some one else! [Aloud.] Alice, arise di- 
rectly! What will people think? 

Alice. You don't care what they think. 

Me. F. I do, I do! [Knock.] 'Who's there? 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 21 



[Enter Edward.] 



Edward. I beg your pardon, but I must speak with 
you immediately. 

Mr, F. Not now — I'm engaged. 

Edward. Alice here! Then it's all true!- 

Mr. F. Ten thousand furies' What do you mean by 
"true"? I'll make you dance for this impertinence! 

Edward. Unhappy old man! 

Mr. F, Infernal young scoundrel! Will you go out? 

Edward. No, sir; not until I have said what I came to 
say. Your wife — my sister — is coming here. 

Mr. F Well, what of that? 

Edward. Everything. She is my sister, and I do not 
want her happiness destroyed forever by what, after all,, 
may be a fatal mistake. 

Mr. F. Fatal nonsense! What do you mean? 

Edward. Your wife has the unfortunate idea that you 
are in love with Alice. 

Mr. F. There, there^ there! I am lost! 

Edward. Wretched pair^ what can I do to save you? 

Mr. F. Save us? Save yourself, you villain, or I'll 
knock your brains out! 

Edavard. She comes! Let me beseech you, for your 
own sakes — 

Alice. Mrs. Field! I suspected her; what charity can 
I hope for at her hands? Where shall I fly? 

Edward. Suppose you run in here a few minutes. 
\_Steps toiuard closet.'] 

Mr. F. [Jumping before it.] No, no, no! Let her 
come; let all the world come. Conscious innocence has 
nothing to fear. 

Edward. Innocence! Did conscious innocence pro- 
tect your wife against your jealousy? 

Mr. F. Jealousy! 

Alice. It's too true. 

Edward. Yes, sir; jealousy. She must not see you 
together. [Steps to other closet.] Here's room here — 
just one moment — 

Mr. F. No, no, no! 

Edward. [To Alice, loho hesitates.] Go in, there's no 



22 



A BOLD STRATAGEif. 



danger— only a hoax— mum: | Pushes her m and shuts 
aoor.j 

[£Jnter Mks. Field.] 

Mks. F. Edward, only Edward! I'm too late, then' 
Me. F. Too late for what, madam? To what am I to 
attribute this intrusion? 

Mks. F, Intrusion, indeed! Edward, please leave us 
alone. 

Me. F. Stay, sir j stir not, I command you! 

Mes. F. Oh, very well! With all my heart, if you want 
everybody to know it. I have at last found a clue to 
your conduct. Your denial of jealousy was more sincere 
than I imagined! I have cause to wonder on what point 
of my behavior you could found yonr suspicions. The 
whole was but a deep-laid scheme to cloak your own pro- 
ceedings. Mr, Field, have I deserved such treatment? 

Me. F. Go on, madam, go on! My conscience acquits 
me of the charge. ^ 

Mes.F. The charge! Has anyone, then, warned you 
of the discovery of your plans? or does the conscience, 
to which you allude, point out the vulnerable spot? What 
about your ward, sir, Alice Taylor? 

Me. F. Mrs. Field, you have been deceived; or you 
have entered into a plot with that precious brother of 
yours to annoy me. For myself, I scorn to make any 
cieiense. "^ 

Mes. F. Nay, don't misunderstand me, I have no 
doubt of Alice's innocence. But how long would your 
attentions allow her to remain so? 

Me. F. Why, madam! 

wit^h'^her^^' ^^'^^ ^^"^ '^^^^ *^^* ^^"^ ^^^ ^^ appointment 

Me. F. I will— r do. 

Mes. F. That she has not been seen to enter this study''' 
^ Mr. F. That's another thing. She has been here, she 
is here. 

Mes. F. Here! and concealed! In this closet, no 
doubt — ' 

Me. F. No, madam, not here — 
Mes. F. Where then? 



A BOLD STRATAGEM. 23 

Alice. [Running out of closet.'] Here, but indeed — 

Mrs. F. And have you the confidence to tell me — 

Mk. F. Now, sir, if you do not wish to be thrashed, 
tell immediately how this young lady came in that closet. 

Edward. Certainly, sir; I will speak" the truth, and 
nothing but the truth. 

Mk. F. Well, sir, go on. Who put that young lady in 
the closet? 

Edward. I did. 

Mrs. F. You, and for what reason, pray? 

Edward. To prevent the very scene which has unfor- 
tunately taken place. 

Mr. F. To cause it, you mean, you rascal! But go 
on; and tell one lie, if you dare! 

Edward. I scorn a lie, sir. \^To Mrs. F.J I came here 
to warn your husband of your suspicions and your ap- 
proach. 

Mrs F. Oh, you did? and why, pray? 

Mr. F. And who asked you to do that? 

Edward. Perhaps I was wrong, but I did it with good 
intentions. I found Alice in tears, and Mc. Field in con- 
fusion, 

Mrs. F., So, so, so! 

Mr. F. Well, what of that? 

Mrs. F. And so you act as a spy on your own sister — 
you are placed as an outpost to warn my husband of my 
approach — 

Mr. F. But, my dear wife — 

Alice. There, sir, you see where you have placed me. 

Mr. F. But Alice — oh, confound it — this is absurd! 
Must the fair edifice of my reputation be hurled to earth 
with a crash — 

[A crash is heard in closet— all start.] 

Mrs. F. What's that? 

Mr. F, I say, with a crash! 

Mrs. F. With a crash, indeed! Why, there's some- 
body in that closet! Pray, did Edward conceal another 
lady against your consent? [Opening door.] Annie, as I 
live! 

Alice. Annie! 



24 A BOLD STKATAGEM. 

Edwaed. [Veri/ loud.] Annie! 

[£Jnt€r Geoege.] 

George. Annie! 

Mr. F. It's 5ll over with me. 

Annie. I beg pardon, but indeed — and indeed — 

Mrs. F, Silence! 

Annie. Don't be angry, George. 

George. Don't come near me — I shall do you harm — 
oh, you villain — 

Mr. F. So I must bear all this, must I? 

Alice. [Aside, to ivhom Mrs. Field has been lohis- 
pering'] If that is the case, I'll help you with all my 
heart. [Aloud.] Oh, Mr. Field, you have a cough, have 
you! a terrible cough! Well, after this, I shall believe 
anything. 

Mr. F. Appearances, I confess, are against me; whether 
arising from plot, I cannot pretend to know — 

Mrs. F. Oh, that evasion! 

Mr. F. Confound it, madam, hear me speak! I say, 
appearances from which a suspicious mind might certainly 
draw inferences anything but favorable to my character; 
but, I trust, you have too much — too much generosity 
to — 

Mrs. F, Really, Mr, Field, you cannot expect me to 
have greater sense or generosity than my husband. Why 
should I not be led by appearances as well as yourself? 
Why should be deprived of the pleasure, for such you 
seem to think it, of jealousy and suspicion? No, sir; 
for three years I have trusted you implicitly, and if I have 
now lost my confidence in you, you have yourself to thank 
for it. 

Mr. F. I may have been in the wrong — I say, I ^ncfi/ 
have been in the wrong. You will make me most happy 
if you can convince me that my suspicions are as un- 
founded as yours. 

Mrs. F. It is in your power to convince both yourself 
and me at the same time. Give your consent to Mr. Wil- 
liams, and you will relieve us both from doubt as to the 
mutual affection of him and Alice. As to Annie, I own 
that — 



A. BOLD STEATAGEM Zt> 

Mr. F, Oh, as to Annie, George shall marry her at 
once — and then — 

George, No, no; I've done with her and you. I won't 
sleep under your roof another night. 

Mr. F. Why, you rascal ! do you presume to hint — 

George. I don't hint. I speak out. I say you are a 
wicked old man — 

Mrs. F. You see! 

Aknie, What, won't you have me, George? Won't 
you? 

George. No, no, no! 

Mr. F. The fellow's mad — stark mad! But who will 
have her, then ? Somebody must, for I won't have her on 
my hands any longer. 

Edvsaard. Well, to oblige you, and to convince you 
that I at least have no jealousy in my disposition, I don't 
mind if I have her. 

Mr. F. My dear Edward! 

George. You will? 

Mr. F. Turn that fellow out, turn him out this minute. 

George. What, you will really have her — after what — 

Edward. You heard him. My dear George, you must 

George. But I say — 

Edward. Say nothing. 

George. But I must — 

Edward. Go out. 

Mr. F. Out with him. [JPushes him to Edward, wha 
pushes him toward door; Mark enters^ and pushes him 
out.Jl You may have Annie — take her and be happy. 

Mrs. F. And why not make yourself happy by giving 
Alice to the man who loves her? 

Mr. F. Enough! Mr. Williams, there's my ward; tak& 
her, and say no more about it, 

Mark. And will Alice, then, forgive the little plot 
which had her happiness for its aim? 

Alice Oh, Mark, I am ashamed of my folly, and would 
rather ask your- forgiveness. 

Mr. F. Plot! There was a plot, then, to make me 
ridiculous? 

Mrs* F. No, my dear husband, to prevent your mak- 



26 A BOLD STRATAGEM. 

ing yourself so; yonr secret is in the keeping of those 
jou have rendered happy; gratitude will seal their lips. 
JS'othing but a return of your suspicions can make your 
jealousy known to the world. 

Mr. F. Then I am satisfied. My dear wife, T have 
loved you so dearly that I cannot love you more, but one 
thing I promise: I will no longer distrust you, but will 
repose in you complete confidence, which, after all, is the 
highest proof of love. 



Curtain. 



■liiiiiiiiiiiii^^^^ 

016 102 471 5 0\ 



The World Acting Drama. 



L Our Boys. A comedy in three acts. By H. J. Byron. 
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